Lecture Notes: Buying a Citroën XM and Maintenance Journey

German Cars Stereotype

• Persistent belief that the speaker only likes German cars.
• Speaker has bought cars from various origins, including French cars.

Motivation for Buying Citroën XM

• Sought to avoid back pain by getting a new car with better comfort.
• Interest in the Citroën XM's style and curiosity about the model.

Initial Assessment of Citroën XM

• Vintage model from the French automobile of the 90s.
• Priced at €700, in running condition but with significant issues, particularly with clutch.
• Features: high-end VSX version, power windows, electric mirrors, automatic air conditioning, coded immobilizer.
• Exterior: worn-out gray color, noticeable wear and tear, and hail damage.

Driving Challenges

• Clutch issues making driving difficult; the car moves slowly and takes longer to accelerate.
• Managing to drive it home with careful driving to prevent further damage to the clutch.
• Difficulty in roundabouts, soundproofing better than the 605 model.
• Small issues with onboard computer and air conditioning.
• Comparisons with earlier car models like Saab and Peugeot 605.

Repairs and Maintenance Plan

• Purchased parts including clutch kit and oil ring seals to start repairs.
• Encounters numerous minor issues (grease, screws, hydraulic system) during initial repair efforts.
• Plans to address issues systematically, with clutch and oil seals being the immediate focus.
• Experience complications like rain, resulting in stopping and starting work multiple times.

Detailed Repair Work

• Required to depressurize the hydraulic system and carefully remove hydraulic components to access the clutch.
• Successfully extracted and replaced clutch parts, although dealing with awkward space limits and tight screws.
• Overcoming various problem points, including gearbox screws and flywheel removal.
• Consistent challenge due to grease and limited workspace.
• Testing the clutch cable after installation and preparing for test drives.
• Addressing the exhaust and hydraulic leaks post-repair.

Additional Fixes and Upgrades

• Replaced deteriorated steering wheel with a better condition one, found an original Citroën radio unit for a more authentic feel.
• Addressed issues with the steering column and stalks for turn signals.
• Cosmetic touch-ups including re-dyeing the steering wheel.
• Ensuring proper integration and functionality of newly installed parts, especially radio and steering control.

Conclusion and Future Steps

• Contemplating the car's future, whether to restore it for regular use or keep it in a Dilapidated state.
• Potential decisions to be made: whether to give the car a paint job or maintain its current condition.
• Plans for further community involvement through a survey to decide the next steps.

Key Takeaways

• The Citroën XM, while challenging to maintain, represents an intriguing project with potential for personal satisfaction and community engagement.
• Balance between practical fixes and deeper restoration efforts, influenced by feedback and personal interest.
• The speaker's journey showcases both the technical challenges and the sentimental value of working on vintage cars.